Biochemistry: Proteins, Enzymes, and Nucleotides

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions pertaining to proteins, enzymes, nucleotides, and related biochemical processes discussed in the lecture.

Enzymes

Biocatalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

Substrate

The molecule that an enzyme reacts with, typically having a specific shape that matches the active site of the enzyme.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.

Competitive Inhibition

A form of enzyme regulation where another molecule competes with the substrate for the active site.

Noncompetitive Inhibition

A form of enzyme regulation where a molecule binds to a regulatory site, altering the shape of the enzyme and reducing its activity.

Biochemical Pathway

A series of chemical reactions in a cell which lead to the conversion of one substance to another.

Nucleotides

The subunits that make up nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogen base, a phosphate group, and a five-carbon sugar.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; a single-stranded nucleic acid involved in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; an energy-carrying molecule used in cellular processes.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that involves the breaking down of a compound by the addition of water, often releasing energy.

Anabolic Reaction

A metabolic process that builds molecules, requiring energy input.

Catabolic Reaction

A metabolic process that breaks down molecules, releasing energy.

ACE Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit the activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, used to lower blood pressure.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

A type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

A type of RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Gene Template

A sequence of DNA that codes for a specific protein, a template used for protein synthesis.

Sickle Cell Mutation

A genetic mutation where a single nucleotide change leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to assume a sickle shape.